LAUSR

Abstract We observe and study the growth and collapse of cavitation bubbles generated during the pulsed laser ablation of submerged targets in three liquid environments, water, ethanol, and n-butanol, utilizing a stroboscopic shadowgraphy system. The transient images of the final stage of bubble collapse when the bubble volume is at a minimum are captured. Ethanol and n-butanol are subject to cavitation-induced reactions, which produce gaseous products that hinder the implosive collapse of the bubbles. In contrast, laser-produced cavitation bubbles in water achieve the smallest radii at the final stage of collapse, resulting in a sharper increase in localized temperature and pressure that can drive a potential second etching. Our results emphasize the role of the chemical effects of liquids on the implosive collapse of cavitation bubbles, providing a deeper understanding of cavitation-related phenomena and liquid-assisted laser processing.